David Tuan Bui's Top Five Photos of 2022

Photography skills are an ever-growing skill among journalists.

I won’t claim I’m the best at it as journalism school only trains you so much in taking photos compared to professional photographers. However, like any job or career, you hone your skills as you progress. So long as you improve, that’s the important part. It’s as they say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and nor will my photography skills (but they’re getting better).

Electric City Football Club’s Jordan Brown (left) with David Tuan Bui (right) during the team’s first training camp of their inaugrual season. Photo by Luke Best.

These are my top five photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in chronological order.


FORMER EASTER SEALS AMBASSADOR MITCHELL MCCOLL (left) AND RENEE OAKE (right) AT the YMCA. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The 36th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim raised more than $50,000 for Easter Seals and Rotary programs in the community back on Feb. 25. The event has raised over $1.3 million to date.

Former Easter Seals Ambassador Mitchell McColl had a bit of Spiderman in him as he shares a moment with Renee Oake — daughter of Carl Oake — shortly after she finished her leg of the YMCA swimming lanes.

McColl was an ambassador in 2012 and has attended every Carl Oake Rotary Swim since.


Alice Cooper (left) with Nita Strauss (right) as Cooper’s band returned to the Peterborogh Memorial Centre in 18 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Godfather of Shock Rock’ came back to Peterborough since Oct. 3, 2004, rocking the Peterborough Memorial Centre as part of his 2022 ‘Monsters of Rock Cruise.’

Special guests Buckcherry with Ace Frehley opened the show but the crowd was there for Alice Cooper as he brought touring guitarist Nita Strauss with him to play old favourites such as School’s Out, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Billion Dollar Babies, Poison, Hey Stoopid and more.

This photo seemed fitting for the occasion as Alice Cooper was back in the Peterborough spotlight and could still rock at 74 years of age.


St. Peter’s Secondary School student Josh Watson, 14, warms up with a putt prior to the tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Peterborough Golf & Country Club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a step-aside scramble tournament that encouraged its golfers to dress in era-appropriate clothing for the time the course had opened.

Baggy pants, ties, long skirts and classy hats were part of the attire that was worn at the event but one person stood out among the rest for me. That was 14-year-old Josh Watson of St. Peter’s Secondary School who sported an ensemble consisting of hiked-up socks over his pants, an Ivy cap and a dapper bowtie to finish off his outfit.

There were not many young golfers at the event but I believe Watson captured the essence perfectly of what a young man would look like golfing in 1897.


THREE-YEAR-OLD MOANA LEWIN ENJOYS TURNER PARK’S NEW SPLASH PAD, TOTALLING SIX WATER PADS IN PETERBOROUGH. THE PAD REPLACES THE FORMER WADING POOL THAT WAS OVER 50 YEARS OLD. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Peterborough opened up its sixth splash pad in Turner Park, located on the corner of Chamberlain Street and High Street on June 23.

It replaced the wading pool that occupied the park for over 50 years and three-year-old Moana Lewin took full advantage of the splash pad on opening day.

It can be tough getting shots of young children at a splash pad considering they’re always moving around and not necessarily attentive to the camera. Luckily, I got Lewin playing underneath the water pole that shoots water like an umbrella and perhaps captured her amazement. I thought the shimmering water was cool.


ARTIST JULII MCMILLAN NEXT TO HER CREATION, “MONARCH MONOLITH” OUTSIDE PETERBOROUGH SQUARE’S COURTYARD. IT TOOK HER AND ASSISTANT SAMANTHA CHIUSOLO THREE AND A HALF DAYS TO COMPLETE. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area unveiled two new large-scale murals to enhance the streetscape experience through public art on Nov. 8.

One was located on the corner of King Street and George Street but the one in the picture was at the Peterborough Square Courtyard. It was created by local artist Julii McMillan and assistant Samanta Chiusolo called ‘Monarch Monolith.’

I credit McMillan and Chiusolo’s work for this photo having a bright spot more than my photography skills as the art piece’s colours blend into the sky so well that let the other colours of the monolith pop.

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A Year In Review By Felicia Massey

I have the privilege of writing stories each day that showcase the passions, efforts and accomplishments of some very inspiring people in the community.

As the year wraps up and I celebrate three months with PTBOCanada, I want to share my top five favourite stories in chronological order that I have enjoyed writing in 2022.

 

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The sixth annual Pulling for Dementia Fire Truck Pull was the first story I had the opportunity of covering “in the field.”

The World Alzheimer’s Day event raised money for programs and services through the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton by challenging teams to pull a 44,000-pound firetruck the fastest as supporters cheered them on at the Peterborough Airport.

At the time of my story the online fundraiser had raised just under $8,000. Today, the fundraiser sits at $9,225 for the Alzheimer Society.

 

Photo by Felicia Massey.

When beloved kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lytle was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Keith Wightman school community rallied in support of her during their annual Terry Fox walk. Staff and students honoured Mrs. Lytle with cheers, high-fives and hand-written notes as she visited with her class.

I am grateful to have felt the tremendous impact that Mrs. Lytle continues to have on her school community.

 

Photo courtesy of The Main Ingredient.

After 43 years, Ken and Deb Fraser decided to retire as owners of The Main Ingredient. The Fraser’s opened the environmentally-conscious bulk health food store in 1979, promoting the use of reusable containers to reduce excess waste.

Former store manager Mike Hall was asked to take over the business in 2021, along with his wife Whitney. The Hall’s spoke optimistically about the future of The Main Ingredient, recognizing that this business endeavour was a lot different than their music promoting.

Seeing a cherished small business continue to flourish with new ownership and perspective was really special.

 

I had the privilege of interviewing psychic medium Theresa Caputo from the TLC series Long Island Medium!

Prior to her Peterborough Memorial Centre appearance, we talked about her podcast Hey Spirit and her 10th anniversary of touring, where she guides audience members through grief and healing at her live shows.

I was then able to meet Theresa and experience the live show with my Mom, which was very surreal.

 

Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.

Author Patti Kimball spoke with me about her grief memoir ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief.’

After losing one of her best friends at just 14 years old, Patti processed her grief through writing. She outlined to me the importance of preserving Aprile’s memory, as well as teaching readers that everyone’s “grief journey” looks different, and happens on their own terms.

Patti shared a number of stories about her times with Aprile and I feel honoured to have gotten a glimpse into their friendship.

 

Here are a few of my favourite pictures I took of The Neighbourhood Vintage! The vintage clothing store owned by Jacquelyn Craft carries a number of vendors, including her own brand Minty Vintage.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

 

On a personal note…

Since graduating from Trent University and Loyalist College in June, my journalistic endeavours have been nothing short of incredible. My job is a dream and I couldn’t ask for a better City to practice journalism.

I look forward to seeing you around in 2023!

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Applications Now Open for Citizen Appointments to City of Peterborough Advisory Committees

The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications for positions on a number of advisory committees, offering the opportunity to provide input on the provision of various municipal services and programs in the community announced Wednesday.

File photo.

Citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities, and applicants must be residents of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough “strives to embrace the spirit of accessibility, inclusion and equity, and values diversity in its workplaces, on its Boards and Committees,” according to a press release.

There are vacancies on the following committees:

  • Accessibility Advisory Committee – 3 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Age-Friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy (2-year term)

  • Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee – 2 vacancies (2-year term)

  • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – 5 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Citizens’ War Memorial Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy (4-year term)

  • Committee of Adjustment – 5 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee – 8 vacancies (3-year term)

  • Museums and Archives Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy (4-year term)

  • Peterborough Public Library – 6 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Planning Advisory Committee – 4 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Police Services Board - 1 vacancy, (4-year term)

  • Property Standards Committee – 5 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Tree and Woodlands Appeals Committee – 3 vacancies (4-year term)

Applications will be reviewed by the Citizen Appointment Selection Committee, and an interview may be required. The Committee will make recommendations to Council for their consideration.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, and are available online at www.peterborough.ca/committees. Hard copies are available at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall (500 George St. N).

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Explore PTBO With Patrick McAuley; Hutchison House Museum

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Explore PTBO With Patrick McAuley; Hutchison House Museum

Sponsored post by Patrick McAuley Group

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City Services Offered With Modified Holiday Hours in Peterborough

Various City of Peterborough services will be offering modified hours, with some closures, over the holidays from Friday to Jan. 3.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

There are no changes to curbside garbage and recycling collection over the holiday period. For missed recycling collection, please phone Emterra at 705-742-3139. For missed garbage collection, phone Public Works at 705-745-1386.

Essential services, such as emergency services, public works and wastewater treatment, continue uninterrupted. Public Works can be reached for urgent matters at 705-745-1386. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office, Building Services and Planning and the Heritage Preservation Office will be closed starting at noon on Dec. 23, reopening with regular hours on Jan. 3.

While the Social Services administration office is closed over the holiday period, individuals can phone 705-926-0096 at any time for emergency shelter services. City-operated childcare programs will be closed starting at noon on Dec. 23 and reopen with regular hours on Jan. 3.

Most recreation and community services are open with revised hours of operation.

The Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink is open most days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Dec. 24 the rink is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Unscheduled rink closures may be required due to inclement weather and ice conditions.

There will be holiday adjustments to Transit schedules from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7, including suspended late-night trips, as well as trips ending early on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. There is no Transit service on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. For full details about Transit holiday service and Transit Customer Service hours, please visit www.peterborough.ca/transit or phone 705-745-0525.

Closed from noon on Dec. 23 until 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 3:

  • City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk's Office, Building Services and Planning

  • Social Services office

Regular hours for most City services resume on Jan. 3. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

For the full list of service hours, visit the City of Peterborough website.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Downtown Youth Space Is Reopening Jan. 10

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Downtown Youth Space Is Reopening Jan. 10

Sponsored post by Downtown Youth Space

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Extended Hours for One Roof Community Centre From Thursday To Sunday

One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours of service to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday due to cold temperatures and significant snowfall in the forecast for the Peterborough area.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 99 Brock St., a meal is served between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while providing warming room services. A full description of meals and other services that One Roof offers is online.

Information about how to protect yourself from extreme cold is on the Peterborough Public Health website.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter. If shelter capacity is full, temporary alternative accommodations for overnight stays may be made available. Contact the shelters first for space:

  • YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.

  • Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.

  • Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.

  • Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875

Emergency After Hours Services related to the emergency shelter is available through Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. Please visit the Social Services website for information regarding the After Hours program.

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10 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 16 - 18

Photo courtesy of Braden Glasbergen.

There is just one weekend until Christmas!

With a variety of events and activities in Peterborough City and County this weekend, there is sure to be fun for the whole family.

 

Visit with Santa and support SickKids at Dr. J’s!

Santa Claus is coming to Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, raising money for SickKids! Get your photos taken with Santa from noon to 6 p.m. with a $5 donation. Gift wrapping will be available from Dec. 16 to 18 from noon to 6 p.m. with a donation of your choice.

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 12 p.m.

Where: Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, 282 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough, Ont.

 

Hang out with the donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary

Come to the Donkey Sanctuary for a curbside visit and meet the animals! These visits are free, however donations are gratefully accepted by the sanctuary.

Personal tours are offered on Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon. There is a maximum of five people (including children) and is $20 a person. Be sure to email the sanctuary to schedule your tour in advance!

Email: primrosedonkeysanctuary@gmail.com

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 1 p.m.

Where: Primrose Donkey Sanctuary, 1296 Bowmanton Rd. RR 4 Roseneath, Ont..

 

Enjoy the ‘Seasons of Ravenwood’ holiday display and food drive!

Extravagant Christmas displays are back at the Glasbergen’s as they invite the public to tour their grounds and support their “Fill the Sleigh” food drive in support of St. Vincent de Paul.

Walkways are created to guide visitors through their front lawn to view the display filled with ornaments, lights, signs and more. The family has requested everyone not to touch the decorations because of its fragility.

Anyone driving by is also requested to stop and see the display to not disrupt traffic flow and for everyone’s safety.

When: Fri. Dec. 16, 6 p.m.

Where: 1723 Ravenwood Dr. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Cheer on your Peterborough Petes at the annual Christmas game

Join the Peterborough Petes at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as they take on the Kingston Frontenacs.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sat. Dec. 17, 7:05 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

See Dreamer the Supertramp Experience

DREAMER is the authentic re-creation of the legendary '70's rock band Supertramp. The 8-piece group of multi-instrumentalists perform all of the sounds used in the real Supertramp show, from sax, clarinet, trombone, vintage keyboards and the unmistakable Supertramp vocal sound.

The musicians were hand-picked for their expertise in capturing the often intricate arrangements of Supertramp's material, and are a strong compliment to the feature vocals of Roger Hodgson (performed by Emmy award-winning Phil Naro) and Rick Davies (performed by keyboard player & singer Rich Hamelin). Complete with projections and period style costumes, DREAMER will take you on a musical journey back in time!

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sat. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Get cozy ‘Under A Winter’s Moon’ with Loreena McKennitt!

A series of seasonal concerts were held in a historic sanctuary in Loreena’s home base of Stratford, Ontario in Dec. 2021 and recorded live. She’s now releasing that magical concert as her 16th album with a two-week companion tour of Ontario. It is a captivating live performance rich with a miscellany of carols and tales that incorporates McKennitt's eclectic Celtic sound with elements of Indigenous oral traditions.

The evening will feature such favourites as “Coventry Carol”, “Good King Wenceslas” and the “Huron Carol” and include a special appearance by Ojibway artist and flautist Jeffrey Red George. The second set embodies Gemini Award-winning actor Cedric Smith with a reading of, A Child’s Christmas in Wales (in six parts). It is a moving and nostalgic piece of prose by the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

Loreena will be accompanied by Caroline Lavelle on cello and recorders, Graham Hargrove on percussion, Errol Fischer on fiddle, Pete Watson on guitar and 12-string bouzouki and Cait Watson on Irish whistle.

All tickets purchased for the show’s original date will be honoured.

Tickets: Available online here.

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Enjoy activities for the whole family at the new Quaker Foods City Square

Despite the ribbon-cutting ceremony being postponed, the activities will still continue at Quaker Foods City Square. Activities are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with outdoor skating, face painting and a DJ who will play music during the event.

The year-round space is located at the former Louis Street Parking Lot off the corner of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street.

Please be advised that protests are scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Quaker Foods City Square.

When: Sat. Dec. 10, 11 a.m.

Where: Corner of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street.

 

Get into the holiday spirit at Christmas Music Morning with the St. James Choir

Join for a special Christmas music morning at the St. James Choir’s Sunday service. Music Director Brian MacDonald and the St. James United Church choir will be belting Christmas tunes in-person and online with Twitch streaming!

When: Sun. Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Where: St. James United Church, 221 Romaine St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Jam out with Between the Static at The Black Horse Pub!

Jam out with Between the Static with a night of classic rock at The Black Horse Pub. There is no cover for this event.

When: Fri. Dec. 16, 9 p.m.

Where: The Black Horse Pub and Restaurant, 452 George St. Peterborough, Ont.

 

Drive-through the Merry and Bright Festival

The Merry & Bright Festival features almost one kilometre of light displays created by local individuals, businesses and organizations to raise donations and support the community.

The drive-through festival is a joint fundraiser for the Lindsay Agricultural Society, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, BGC Kawarthas, Kawartha Food Source, Lindsay Lions Club and Heritage Christian School.

Tickets: Can be purchased online here or $20 cash at the gate.

When: Fri. Dec. 16, Sun. Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Lindsay Fairgrounds, 354 Angeline St. S, Lindsay, Ont.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Explore PTBO With Patrick McAuley; The Venue

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The Lindsay Agriculture Society Presents the Merry and Bright Festival

The Merry & Bright Festival held at the Lindsay Fairgrounds features almost one kilometre of light displays created by local individuals, businesses and organizations to raise donations and support the community from Thursday to Dec. 23.

Photo courtesy of Shanice Sproule.

The drive-through festival of lights is a joint fundraiser for the Lindsay Agricultural Society, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, BGC Kawarthas, Kawartha Food Source, Lindsay Lions Club and Heritage Christian School.

Attendees can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride — for Saturday only — and visit Santa at his portable workshop.

In 2020, the Lindsay Agricultural Society hosted the Merry & Bright Festival for the first time as a way to raise money for their partner organizations which missed the opportunity to fundraise at the year’s Lindsay Exhibition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They say the event was very successful in its first year, providing each partner organization with over $5,000 in donations.

The display is at the Lindsay Fairgrounds located at 354 Angeline St. S. in Lindsay. Tickets can be purchased online or by paying cash at the gate.

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